Amapianist, Amarpianist, Confepianist, Orompianist & Oropianist Elites!
By Fayyis Oromia*
Interestingly, most Oromo nationalists have started talking about Ethiopian unity, rather than the previously cherished goal of Oromian independence. But do they all mean the same kind of Ethiopia? We know that “Ethiopia” is essentially a trademark used by various elites of different nations, each filling it with their own meaning. The reality on the ground is that Ethiopia could theoretically continue to exist in one of the following three forms:
As Amapia (Amharic-dominated geo-federation) – This is the Ethiopia that has existed from the era of Yekuno Amlak in 1270 through the current rule of Abiy Ahmed. It is almost certain that Dr. Abiy’s Ethiopia is simply a continuation of Amarpia (Amharic dominated ethnic federation), which he tries to maintain by preserving the dominant role of Amharic as the primary working language of the federation.
As a Rainbow Confederation – A vision in which all languages flourish according to their national proportions (e.g., 40% Afaan Oromo, 20% Agawigna, 10% Amarigna, 6% Af Somali, 5% Tigrigna, 4% Sidamu Afo, etc.). This perspective, supported by Dr. Lamma Magarsa, is ideal but could only exist temporarily—if at all.
As Oropia (Oromic-led geo-federation) – This is seen as the likely future if Ethiopia is to survive as a democratized and inclusive nation. This form would arise naturally if Oromic assumes its legitimate leadership role, based on the demographic and geographic strength of the Oromo people. Is this what Ob. Jawar Mohammed envisions when he shifted from advocating for Oromian independence to supporting Ethiopian unity? One can hope so.
The Internal Power Struggle
The main power struggle in Ethiopia now appears to be among the three camps of Oromo elites:
Amapianists – Prefer an Amharic-dominated Ethiopia; often associated with the ruling party (OPP). They have a “slave mentality,” revering Amharic rather than respecting Oromic. Historically, leaders like Yekuno Amlak, Haile Selassie, Mengistu Hailemariam, and now Abiy Ahmed, all of Oromo descent, have ruled Ethiopia by suppressing Oromo identity and language.
Confepianists – Advocate for independent Oromia and voluntary confederation with other free nations. This group includes factions like the OLF and individuals like Marro Dirriba.
Oropianists – Seek to democratize Ethiopia in Oromo terms and rebrand the nation as Oropia. This group includes the OFC and individuals like Jawar Mohammed. They push for Oromic as the primary working language and equal cultural recognition.
It is clear that Abyssinianist Oromo elites, currently led by Abiy Ahmed, rule by upholding Amharic supremacy and suppressing Oromic. In contrast, Oropianist elites are now attempting to elevate figures like Lamma Magarsa and promote Afaan Oromo to its rightful position.
Confepianists, such as Marro Dirriba, seek first to dismantle Amapianism, with the ultimate goal of establishing an independent Oromia.
Abiy vs. Jawar: A Core Ideological Divide
The core difference between Abiy Ahmed and Jawar Mohammed lies in their vision of national identity:
For Abiy Ahmed, Amharic and Amaranet are central to Ethiopia’s identity, with Oromic relegated to a secondary status—essentially preserving Amapia.
For Jawar Mohammed, Oromic and Oromummà deserve primary status in the federal system—pushing toward a de facto Oropia.
This ideological divide between Prosperitan Oromos (aligned with Prosperity Party) and Republican Oromos (aligned with Oromo Federalist groups) has always been irreconcilable. This is why Oromo nationalists like Tadesse Biru, Haile Fida, and now Jawar Mohammed were imprisoned or killed by successive Oromo-led regimes—Haile Selassie, Mengistu Hailemariam, and Abiy Ahmed—who were accused of betraying Oromo causes.
A Struggle of Identity
The Oromo national liberation struggle is unique. It has often been a battle between Oromo nationalists and Oromo naftagnas—internal elites who revere Amharic and Amaranet, while rejecting Oromummà and Oromic. The irony is that many past rulers (e.g., Menelik, Haile Selassie, Mengistu, Abbà Dülà, and Abiy/Meshrefet) were Oromo by ethnicity but aligned themselves with non-Oromo identity and interests.
This internal contradiction has existed for millennia. Many Oromo rulers, influenced by foreign religions and literatures, abandoned their roots. As a result, nearly half of the Oromo lost their language and identity, identifying instead with Amaranet and Amharic. The current struggle against the “neo-naftagnas” led by Abiy is perhaps the most bitter, as they wear an Oromo mask while opposing Oromo interests.
Deception and National Consciousness
Previous naftagnas were openly anti-Oromo, making it easy to mobilize resistance. But Abiy claims to support freedom (bilisummà), deceiving some Oromo nationalists and garnering support from naftagna-minded elites. As Obbo Lencho Lata once warned, any Oromo supported by naftagna elites must be suspect, as such backing usually means betrayal of Oromo national interest.
A Unique Nation Requires a Unique Solution
There are five categories of colonized or dominated nations globally:
Peripheral minority nations dominated by a central power – e.g., Eritrea, Kosovo. These seek independence through referendums.
Minorities at the center under another nation’s domination – e.g., Gurage, Harari. These seek internal self-determination without secession.
Majority nation with dominating culture under domestic oppression – e.g., Ezema’s vision influenced by Amhara elites.
Majority dominated by neighboring smaller nations – The Oromo are a rare case. Though a demographic majority, they are politically marginalized at the center.
The Oromo are uniquely positioned: politically marginalized yet central. Therefore, the best approach is to liberate the center (i.e., Finfinne/“Caffee Araraa”), and transform the empire into a union that embodies the Oromo spirit. This includes:
F: Freedom from systems of domination
O: Oromic as the working language
D: Democracy as the ruling principle
O: Renaming the country Oropia instead of Ethiopia
B: Adopting the Black-Red-White Cushitic flag
The country formerly known by outsiders as Abyssinia, Kush, Al-Habesh, Punt, and Ethiopia, is now reimagined by its indigenous people as Oropia.
Conclusion
Oromo naftagnas are opposed to the FADOB principles and actively resist the liberation and rightful recognition of Oromo identity. They continue to serve the interest of domination while suppressing their own people’s culture and language. The current struggle is thus a battle between two factions within the Oromo—those who serve oppression (led by Abiy) and those who fight for liberation (led by Jawar). May Waaqa grant victory to the true Oromo nationalists!
Galatôma!
Read more: https://orompia.wordpress.com/2020/08/17/xxx/